EPA-State SNC National Compliance Initiative - Symposium 2 - Final Agenda

Sep 19, 2026

Final Agenda for EPA-State SNC National Compliance Initiative Symposium 2 in Dallas, Texas, scheduled Jan 22–24, 2020. The agenda outlines the symposium purpose to share information and best practices for improving SNC rates across authorized states and EPA direct implementation areas. It covers challenges for reducing SNC at small POTWs and small systems, strategies to improve data quality and address completeness issues, and the roles of compliance assistance and enforcement. Daily sessions include registration, welcomes, evidence-based compliance and enforcement practices, discussions on NPDES enforcement elements, notifications to deter and prevent effluent SNC, and enforcement actions aligned to NCI goals.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Purpose of Symposium

Symposium Registration and Welcome

Symposium Preliminaries and Objectives

Evidence-Based Best Practices for Improving Compliance

Expanding Use of Notifications for Effluent SNC

Importance of Enforcement Actions to Achieve NCI Goals

AGENDA for EPA-State SNC National Compliance Initiative SYMPOSIUM 2 EPA Region 6, Dallas, TX Renaissance Tower, 1201 Elm St., 5th floor Jan 22-24, 2020 [Final Agenda (4), 1/21/2020] [Note: this agenda may be adjusted prior to the Symposium. The primary topics for the Symposium will remain.] Purpose of Symposium: To share information and best practices related to improving the rate of SNC across authorized states and EPA direct implementation areas-with particular focuses on the challenges associated with reducing SNC at small POTWs and other small systems, approaches for improving data quality and addressing completeness issues, and the roles of compliance assistance and enforcement in this initiative. • Meals on your own – restaurants for dining in groups will be identified. • EPA and ACWA will provide coffee and snacks. • Hotel information is provided at the bottom of thi agenda. Day 1 (Wednesday, Jan 22) | Session \# | Time | Agenda Item | Moderator(s) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | 7:45- 8:30am | • Symposium Registration-Coffee and pastries
• EPA Greeters: Chad Harsh (EPA Region 3), Jessica Duggan (EPA Region 8) | | | 1 | 8:30- 9:30am | • Critical Logistics (Rachel Matthews, EPA Region 6)
• Welcome and Introductions
1. EPA Region 6 – Welcome to Dallas
o Deputy Regional Administrator, David Gray
o Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director, Cheryl Seager
2. TCEQ Executive Director, Toby Baker
3. EPA-OECA Office of Compliance Director, David Hindin
4. ACWA President, Melanie Davenport
5. Attendee “standing” introductions – by EPA Region and states in the Region (if time permits) | Chad Harsh, EPA Region 3
Rachel Matthews, EPA Region 6 Daniel Palmer, EPA OECA/OC | | 2 | 9:30-
10:00am | Symposium Preliminaries-Dan Palmer, Joe Theis, and Beth Ragnauth, EPA OECA/OC
o Session Objectives: Describe the current status of our effort to reduce the rate of SNC; and, discuss what we want to achieve through this symposium that will move us toward our goal.
1. SNC Rate (10 minutes)
• Current SNC rate, progress in FY 2019
• Analysis of SNC rate
2. Quick review of the Symposium agenda (5 min)
3. Symposium Objectives and Products (5 min)
• What do we want to accomplish at this Symposium?
• What are the products that we want to generate at this meeting?
a. List of new ideas that are generated or described for SNC workgroup exploration
b. List of SNC and/or EPA action items – items for action and problems to solve now
c. List of items for the parking lot (can’t do now or not SNC NCI -but for referral or future consideration
4. SNC NCI activities for focus in FY 2020+ (10 min) | Daniel Palmer,
EPA OECA/OC | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | 10:00- 10:20am | Break | | | 3 | 10:20- 11:50pm | Evidence-Based Best Practices for Improving Compliance
• Session Objective: To examine what are the characteristics of a compliance and enforcement program that produces a low SNC rate
1. David Hindin, Director, EPA Office of Compliance (35 min)
• Evidence-based government: how do we know if what we are doing works?
• OECA wants to work with states that want to try something different
• Pilot opportunities
2. Jay Shimshack, University of Virginia (55 min)
• What do we know from research about what works to improve compliance? | Daniel Palmer,
EPA OECA/OC | | | 11:50- 1:00pm | LUNCH | | | 3
(conti
nued) | 1:00- 2:00 pm | Evidence-Based Best Practices for Improving Compliance (continued)
3. Elements of a state NPDES enforcement program that produce a low noncompliance rate
• Melanie Davenport, Virginia DEQ, Director, Water Permitting Division (20 min)
• Leandro Garcia and Adrienne Pennington, Florida DEP (20 min)
4. Discussion: what are the key challenges states face in working to reduce their SNC rate (20 min) | Daniel Palmer,
EPA OECA/OC | | 4 | 2:00- 2:40 pm | Expanding Use of Notifications for Deterring and

FAQs

What is the purpose of the SNC National Compliance Initiative Symposium 2?

To share information and best practices for improving the SNC rate across authorized states and EPA direct implementation areas, including challenges with small POTWs and small systems.

What types of strategies does the symposium emphasize for improving SNC rates?

Approaches that reduce SNC for small systems, improve data quality and completeness, and clarify the roles of compliance assistance and enforcement.

Which topics are covered around notifications and enforcement?

Sessions explore using notifications to deter and prevent effluent SNC, including predictive capabilities, and discuss enforcement actions to resolve and/or deter SNC and related violations.

Sep 19, 2026

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